Samenvatting
The objective of this study was to document the thoracic deformation contours in a simulated frontal impact. Unembalmed human cadavers and the Hybrid III anthropometric manikins were tested. Data from the newly developed External Peripheral Instrument for Deformation (EPIDM) was used to derive deformation patterns at upper and lower thoracic levels. Deceleration sled tests were conducted on three-point belt restrained surrogates positioned in the driver's seat (no steering assembly) using a horizontal impact test sled at velocities of approximately 14.0 m/s. Lap and shoulder belt forces were recorded with seat belt transducers. The experimental protocol included a Hybrid III manikin experiment followed by the human cadaver test.